Have you thought about if you want to have a send off on your wedding night?
Even if you’re going out of town or staying at the venue and partying all night long, you might want to do a send off, even if it’s just for the photos. There’s no right or wrong answer here but I wanted to give you some ideas to send off the night with a bang, if you choose to.
You can even do a “toss” or “send off” during your ceremony exit as well.
As a Phoenix wedding photographer, I’ve seen couples get creative with their exits—sparklers, petals, bubbles, glow sticks, even private last dances before slipping away. A send-off doesn’t have to happen at the very end of the night either. If you’re not planning a big exit, you can still do a fun “toss” moment during your ceremony recessional for that same energy and excitement.
A send-off is simply a chance to celebrate the two of you, capture a little extra magic, and wrap your wedding day in a way that feels true to your style.
Popular Wedding Send-Off Ideas
1. Sparkler Send-Off
The classic. Sparklers light up your photos beautifully and add a little drama. Make sure your venue allows them and always have someone on hand to pass them out and light them safely.
2. Petal Toss
Perfect for ceremony exits or early-evening send-offs. Fresh petals feel romantic, they’re biodegradable, and they photograph well—especially if you pick petals that match your wedding palette.
3. Bubbles
Great for venues that don’t allow anything messy or flammable. Bubbles float beautifully in backlit photos, especially around sunset or during blue hour.
4. Glow Sticks
If you’re planning a dance-all-night kind of reception, glow sticks fit right in. They photograph best when held high or waved overhead to create fun motion in the images.
5. Ribbon Wands
A colorful, quiet, and venue-friendly option. Ribbon wands add movement to your photos without the cleanup or restrictions that can come with sparklers or confetti.
6. Confetti Cannons
Choose biodegradable confetti so cleanup is easy. Confetti cannons add big energy and burst open with instant celebration. They’re great for daylight exits or indoor venues that allow them.
7. Vintage Getaway Car
Turn your exit into a bigger moment by driving off in a vintage car, Jeep, classic convertible, or a car that means something to you. Add a “Just Married” sign or tin cans for a nostalgic touch.
8. Private Last Dance
Not all send-offs involve a crowd. Some couples end the night with a private last dance inside their reception space while guests line up outside. You get a quiet moment together before walking out into your send-off line.
Phoenix Wedding Tips for Your Send-Off
Phoenix venues each have their own rules when it comes to exits, especially with our dry desert climate. If you’re planning sparklers or confetti, always double check with your coordinator or venue team early in the planning process.
A few Phoenix-specific tips:
- Outdoor sparkler exits work best after sunset but before the desert winds pick up.
- Petal tosses are perfect for spring weddings when florals are abundant.
- For summer weddings, bubbles and glow sticks are safe, heat-proof alternatives.
- Some desert venues prefer biodegradable options to protect the landscape.
A quick check-in with your photographer and planner can help you choose the best option for your space and timeline.
Do You Need a Send-Off?
Not necessarily. Some couples skip it entirely and focus on candid moments throughout the day. Others plan a send-off purely for fun photos. Whatever you choose, your exit should feel genuine to you, not like a checklist item.
Your wedding send-off is one more way to celebrate the two of you. It can be big and energetic or simple and sweet. The most important thing is choosing something that fits your vibe and works with your venue.
If you’re planning your wedding in Phoenix and want help choosing a send-off that photographs beautifully, I’m always here to help you plan what makes the most sense for your day.
